* Easy to get to, but takes a bit more effort. ** Perhaps a bit out of your way, but worth it. *** Strap up your boots. But MUCH easier than Nepal or the Machu Picchu Trail. **** Not necessarily easy, but places like this are where dinner party stories are created.

**** Amasya

The Vibe – Charming, historic town straddling the Yesilirmak River in a secluded mountain valley. Where – A five-hour drive north of Cappadocia. Why Go – Dramatic setting, wooden Ottoman houses, and the Tombs of Pontus. For – Seekers of hidden gems. Insider’s Tip – Check out the local museum for a peek at the mummies.

** Assos

The Vibe – A historically rich (Aristotle lived here, as did Saint Paul) and picturesque fishing town. Where – The northern Aegean Coast. Why Go – A good starting point for visiting nearby Troy and The Temple of Athena, perched on the cliffs high above Assos. For – Those who like their antiquities with a hint of beach, or their beach with a hint of antiquities. Insider’s Tip – Venture to the Adatepe Olive Oil Museum. Turkey is the world’s fourth largest producer. For every one person, there are three olive trees.

The Vibe – First Ottoman capital, famous for its thermal baths, high-quality silk, and cotton textiles. Where – A 90-minute ferry ride across the Sea of Marmara. Why Go – The Grand (Ulu Cami) Mosque, the thermal baths, the large covered bazaar, and the (very famous) silk market. For – Committed shoppers and those obsessed with the Ottomans. Insider’s Tip – Iskender kebabs alone are worth the trip. We’ll tell you our favorite spot to get them.

*** Edirne

The Vibe – Former Ottoman capital that is now a border town. Where – A two-and-a-half hour drive west of Istanbul. Why Go – The stunning Selimiye Mosque (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), built by the famous architect Sinan, as well as the newly-restored Edirne Synagogue. For – Architecture groupies and those interested in Jewish heritage. Insider’s Tip – The Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Championship, held every year since 1346. It has to be seen to be believed.

** Gallipoli

The Vibe – Serene farmland and pine forest, surrounded by sandy beaches (and war memorials). Where – A four-hour drive west of Istanbul near the narrowest point of the Dardanelles. Why Go – Heart wrenching WWI battlefields, memorials, and cemeteries. For – Anyone with an interest in WWI (Ataturk defeated Churchill here), and those with a tie to Australia or New Zealand. Insider’s Tip – There’s a great under-the-radar hotspot for scuba diving at the sunken wreck of the S.S Milo and ANZAC Cove.

** Konya

The Vibe – A modern, religious, and not-overly-beautiful metropolis with an esoteric heart. Where – Central Anatolia between Cappadocia and Antalya. Why Go – Home of Mevlana (also known as Rumi), the founder of the Whirling Dervishes, and a center of Sufi mystical practice. For – The spiritual. Or spiritually-curious. Insider’s Tip – Look with more than your eyes. Does that sound like something Rumi would say?

*** Safranbolu

The Vibe – A charming mountain town with cobblestone streets and picturesque Ottoman houses. Where – A five-hour drive east of Istanbul near the Black Sea. Why Go – Well-preserved, UNESCO-protected traditional konaks (mansions), built from stone and timber. For – Those interested in understanding what an Ottoman town must have looked like. Insider’s Tip –Try zerde, a local dessert made from the spice from which the city derives its name, saffron.

The Vibe – A few extremely worthwhile sites in a city that is otherwise not so compelling (in our humble opinion). Where – A four-hour drive northwest of Cappadocia in the center of Turkey. Why Go – The enormous Ataturk Mausoleum and the excellent Museum of Ancient Anatolian Civilizations. For – Culture vultures and history buffs. Insider’s Tip – Get “hammered” at the traditional coppersmith’s bazaar.

Antalya (and the surrounds)

The Vibe – Surrounding a charming old town are large beach and golf resorts. Where – The Mediterranean (Turquoise) coast of southwestern Turkey. Why Go – Sun, sea, sport, and impressive nearby ancient sites, such as Termessos, Perge and Aspendos. For – Families, beach bums and golfers. Insider’s Tip – Grab freshly-made pomegranate juice or jam from a street vendor in the Old Quarter.